Being that New York tends to be rather densely populated, have a fair share of seasonal humidity, and an array of architecture and older housing, optimizing home ventilation can make a world of difference. Good air circulation can help with HVAC efficiency, humidity, mold, temperature swings, and even power bills. No matter if you’re living on the coast, or in the heart of Manhattan, proper ventilation and circulation can make a big difference in your living space as well as the air quality in it.
Today we want to discuss ways you can boost your air flow for a fresher, healthier living space.
Why Ventilation Matters
As kids we always asked “Why” for just about anything and everything. So let’s drop the question here too. Why does good air circulation matter, especially in New York? Let’s discuss.
For one, have a look around, NY is one of the most densely populated cities. Buildings range from historical Brownstones, to modern skyscrapers, and everything in between. When a building is tall, it in and of itself restricts airflow. Plus you can run into limited ductwork, and raised humidity in the warmer months. On the flip side of the coin, newer buildings can be sealed so well that they trap stale air. The solution? Air circulation.
If ignored, you can notice things like mold growth, increased allergens, and potentially respiratory issues. It’s crucial to pay attention to the air flow in your home. For one, to improve the comfort (you can get rid of things like hot and or cold spots this way). Remove things like allergens and excess moisture, enhance ventilation system (aka HVAC) performance and energy usage, and just as importantly prevent mold and mildew.
1 Cross Ventilate
It’s simple and it’s free. Can’t get better than that.
It’s probably one of the most effective ways to circulate air. If you’re wondering “how to air out a room” it really is quite simple. To do so, simply open two or more windows or doors on opposite sides of the home. This will help create a breeze to move air. If you live in a multi story home, you can also open windows on different floors to help air out the different levels.
2 Use Fans
Fans are relatively inexpensive and can be used to your advantage. Box or pedestal fans can be placed near windows to help with fresh air flow and circulation. If you want to expel stale air, face the fan outward. Subsequently if you want to bring in fresh air, face the fan inwards. Other “fans” you should pay attention to are your ceiling and exhaust fans.
If you happen to have a built-in ceiling fan, there’s no need to ask how to circulate air in a room. Simply make sure it’s spinning in the right direction. Remember, ceiling fans should be going clockwise in the colder months, and counterclockwise in the warmer months. It’s important you pay attention to this so air is moving to your advantage.
When it comes to exhaust fans, they are typically built into your kitchen and bathroom, and for good reason. Use them. These fans are especially helpful in getting rid of extra moisture that can lead to mold.
3 Give Your HVAC Some TLC
If you want good air circulation, it’s only logical that your HVAC system is taken care of. Ventilation is a part of its name after all. This applies to all homes, but for older homes especially (like NYC brownstones) make sure the ductwork is clean. Our team can help with that, just FYI. Other things to pay attention to are your vents and registers. Make sure they aren’t blocked by things like rugs or furniture. And as per usual, make sure your filters are clean. Pay attention to the MERV ratings. If you want an even bigger whammy, look into an air purifier with a HEPA filter (for you vacuum too).
Another point to note is that your filter is typically the only thing that’s preventing harmful particles from recirculating in your home. Keep it clean. If you want to get the air moving in the first place, set your HVAC fan to the “on” position. It’s not great at pulling fresh air, but it will get the indoor air moving.
4 Spruce Up Your Space
Furniture can come into play. Rearrange in such a way to promote room ventilation. It sounds like Feng shui, we know, but it’s free and can help. Make sure big pieces like couches, beds, dressers, and so forth, aren’t blocking vents. If it’s inevitable, make sure there’s at least a couple of inches of space between the vent and furniture to allow airflow. It’s also important to create open pathways, this way air is able to move more freely between rooms.
You can also consider adding in a plant or two. They tend to naturally purify air (peace lilies tend to be good options). Obviously if you have furry friends make sure whatever you add is safe for them. If adding a plant, do be mindful of watering, as you wouldn’t want a counter productive situation to happen.
5 Upgrade Your HVAC
This tip isn’t free, but you can get some money for it. Check out our rebates blog to learn more about that. As I’m sure you know, newer systems tend to be a lot more efficient, as older systems can struggle to circulate air effectively and lead to poor ventilation in a house. This may not be an outright reason to completely replace your system, but if it’s time anyways, it’s definitely something to think about.
6 Monitor
This goes for your humidity, air quality, and ventilation. You can use special monitors to keep an eye on things like CO2, humidity, and particulate matter. If readings aren’t what they need to be, this can be a clear sign that your house ventilation needs a boost. If your humidity is off, exhaust fans as mentioned above should be your first line of action. If the problem persists, consider investing in a dehumidifier, or humidifier, depending on the problem you’re experiencing.
In Summary
Residents of New York can benefit from the above tips for several reasons:
- Weather swings. Sharp changes in seasonal weather needs extra attention, especially when it comes to humidity and airflow.
- Lack of central HVAC systems. Especially true for older homes and buildings in NYC. Here, portable solutions are key.
- Flood prone. Areas like Queens should closely monitor moisture, as they’re at an increased mold risk.
Improving air circulation isn’t just about comfort, it’s about creating a healthier and more efficient home. These easy (and mostly free) tips can be integrated into your daily routine. They can help reduce bills, improve air quality, and help maintain a comfortable environment year round. For an extra punch, consider upgrading to smart thermostats, and make appointments for HVAC inspections and duct cleanings (our team will be more than happy to help in this regard). Do note that our technicians can give you valuable feedback by checking your air filters, which they tend to do at every visit. To schedule with us, give us a ring at 888-334-1612
